I would like to point out that these are just suggestions, they in no way rules that are carved in stone. These are the guidelines that I am setting for myself next year. They should work for you, but then again they might not. Since this was my first time to go to Defcon I didn’t know what to expect, had I known what I know now this is what I would have told myself.

First, bring way too much money. If you need it and don’t have it you are out of luck. I will not go into detail about why you need money in Las Vegas. If you need this explained to you, do everybody a favor and stay home.

Second, pack very, very light. Do this for two reasons. In Vegas time is not quite the same as anywhere else, day and night seem to be the same thing, and the days seem to run together. As gross as it may sound it is more than likely that you will wear the same clothes for several days. The other reason is you will probably pick up a bunch to T-shirts, and if you do this you will end up wearing these instead of the clothing you packed.

Next, eat at casinos on the strip. The food in most casinos is incredible as well as cheap. The food at the hotel we stayed at was over priced. The quality of this food was about the same as a high school cafeteria. I found a wonderful buffet at the San Remo. At the San Remo I ate a prime rib buffet with all the trimmings for around six bucks. It was one of the more expensive buffets but it was worth every penny. I would consider going back to Vegas just for the food.

TexorcisT seems to be one of the few that can pass out anywhere
without fear of being molested. Respect or fear? I'm not sure.

This one is very important DO NOT PASS OUT IN PUBLIC!! I was witness to many atrocities. The first morning of the convention the unfortunate drunkards were placed on the roof of the parking garage. The second night the ones to pass out were treated with magic marker. No one looks good with “owned” printed on his or her forehead. It only got worse after that.

DON’T TRY AND MAKE MONEY GAMBELING. I say this for one reason only. You will lose money. All you have to do to understand this is stand in front of one of the billion dollar casinos and ask yourself did they build this from losing money.

Actually attend more than one seminar. I didn’t make as many as I wanted to this year, I regret this to a great extent. I had the mind-set oh I just get the mp3 of the entire convention. It just isn’t the same.

RaZouR and WiReZ - Goin' at it!

My last and quite possibly the most important guideline I can give you is: make sure you make it to the All Female Arm Wrestling Tournament.